When asked by the Times what would propel him into a presidential run, Perry responded that he has "plenty of time to make that decision."

During the interview, Perry was critical of President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush for their decisions involving military operations.

"Having a president who has not served in the military and does not understand the burden of sending our treasure — our young men and women — into battle is wrong," he said.

"Afghanistan is a good example of how we can learn from history but have not. From Alexander the Great to the British Empire to the Soviets, the people of Afghanistan remained the same. Why we thought we would have a different outcome using our treasure and resources, I will never understand," he added.

Perry was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force in 1972 and flew for the 772nd Tactical Airlift Squadron. He left five years later with the rank of captain.

Perry told the Times that Americans must decide what is important to them.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry hasn't said he's seeking the Republican nomination for the 2016 presidential race - but he continues to act like he is, now revealing he's planning a fact-finding trip to Israel this fall.